The Harvard men’s soccer team traveled west for its final weekend before the start of Ivy League play but returned empty-handed, falling to Cal Poly on Friday night, 2-1, and to No. 3 UC Santa Barbara, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon.

The Harvard men’s soccer team’s comeback attempt fell just short on Sunday afternoon, as the Crimson fell, 3-2, in double-overtime to Southern Methodist University at Soldiers Field Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium.

The Crimson picked up its first win of the season, downing Michigan State, in its home opener, 1-0. With the result, Harvard defeated its first Big Ten opponent in over ten years and extended its winning streak in home openers to eight years.

Although the Crimson entered the second half with a 1-0 advantage over Cornell, the Big Red needed only 15 minutes to notch three consecutive goals, taking back the lead to come away with a 3-1 victory Saturday afternoon.

Under Sunday’s clear, night sky, the lights shone brightly on Soldiers Field as the Harvard and Northeastern squads set up for a corner kick. The clock dwindled down, only seven minutes remaining in the scoreless match.

When opponents focused on defending sophomore attacker Jennifer VanderMeulen, who has led the Ivy League in goals for two consecutive seasons, an opportunity opened up for her teammates to shine.
And sophomore midfielder Danielle Tetreault seized the chance to put up some results.